Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Orzo with Summer Squash and Toasted Hazelnuts

I know it isn't summer. I also know that summer squash is currently unavailable at my grocery store because of the weather. Luckily, I had some frozen squash and hazelnuts, and therefore was able to make this unseasonal dish. It was good but kind of boring. It was convenient but I probably wouldn't make it again.

1. Cook orzo in a 4- to 5-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain orzo in a colander.

2. While orzo is cooking, heat butter and oil in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté shallot, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add zucchini, yellow squash, salt, and pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in nuts, parsley, basil, and zest.

3. Add cooked orzo to skillet and stir gently. If mixture seems dry, moisten with some reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.